Player Profiles 2017/18 - James Baxendale

The Reds have signed James Baxendale from United Soccer League Western side, Orange County SC.

He is an attacking midfirlder who can play in the number 10 role or out wide. He is good with both feet, intelligent and creative.

James who is 25 years old, has spent this season at Orange County SC. He has signed for the Reds for the rest of this season. He came through the youth system at Leeds United being released a the end of the 2010-11 season having failed to win a professional contract.

Baxendale signed a one year contract in July 2011 at Doncaster Rovers who were then in the Championship, making his debut off the bench in a League Cup win over Tranmere Rovers at the Keepmoat Stadium when he came on for Ryan Mason. He made his league debut four days later against West Ham United.

Loans spells followed at Evostik Premier side Buxton, where he won the December 2011 player of the month award.

In March 2012 he joined Hereford on loan before being released by Doncaster in May 2012. In August of the same year he signed a one year deal at League One side Walsall and given the number 16 shirt. Due to some impressive performances for the Saddlers he signed an 18 month contract in June 2013 which led to a 3 year contract the following August. Depite making 40 appearances in 2013-14, niggling injuries caused him to fall out of the first team picture.

In January 2016 Baxendale signed a one month loan deal at Mansfield Town. This led to a permanent move one month later. He made 22 appearances for the Stags in the 2016-17 season, moving to the USA at the beginning of this season making 14 appearances fot Orange County SC.